An underground planetarium and observatory could take shape in the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve in future as part of an ambitious new astrotourism plan.
The Mid Murray Council is working with local advocates on a proposal that would allow visitors to experience the night sky year-round, even when weather conditions are not ideal.
Reserve founder Chris Tugwell said the project could create new tourism and employment opportunities for the region.
“The reserve is a wonderful asset for the state and for the region and we just want to make a focal point where people can come and learn about the stars, learn about the night sky, learn about light pollution and learn and what people can do themselves in their own homes to keep the night sky as dark as it is now,” Chris Tugwell told ARN’s Adam and Jennie this morning.
“It’s a building that’s going to be covered in a mound of earth so the instruments inside can stay cool so they [tourists] can look at the stars properly and to keep the light inside the building at night.”
The concept, still in early planning, includes an underground structure designed to blend into the landscape and comply with dark-sky protection standards.
External funding of between $10M-$20M will be needed to progress the build, with support sought from the State and Federal Governments and other sponsors and donors.
The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, centred around Swan Reach Conservation Park, covers more than 3,200 square kilometres and is the only officially accredited dark sky reserve in Australia.
Visitor numbers have been rising steadily since the reserve’s accreditation in 2019.
